Southwest Florida REC

A Review of Bell Pepper Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022

Tara Wade, Kelvin Amon, Zhengfei Guan, and Craig Frey

In the United States, bell peppers are cultivated for both fresh and processed markets, with California, Florida, and Georgia producing most of the crop. Production varies across states, and, in Florida, bell pepper production varies by region within the state with growing seasons ranging from July to March for northern Florida and August to February for southern Florida. This publication provides information on conventional bell pepper acreage, volume, and pricing for the top three producing states: California, Florida, and Georgia. It will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. It serves as a single location where important information about the specialty crop market and production trends can be found.

A Review of Fresh Market Sweet Corn Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022

Kelvin Amon, Tara Wade, Anna Mészáros, and Tori Rumenik

This publication provides information on conventional fresh market sweet corn acreage, volume, and pricing for the top four producing states: California, Florida, Georgia, and New York. (Other states produce a substantial amount of processed market sweet corn but are not the focus here.) This is one in a series of Ask IFAS publications focused on trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops (excluding citrus): fresh market sweet corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and strawberries. This information will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. This publication serves as a unique source summarizing important information about the specialty crop market and production trends.

A Review of Strawberry Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022

Tara Wade, Kelvin Amon, Zhengfei Guan, and Wael Elwakil

This publication provides information on conventional fresh strawberry acreage, volume, and pricing for California and Florida from 2010 through 2022. It is one of a series of EDIS publications that illustrate trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops, excluding citrus: strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and sweet corn. The information in this publication will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. It serves as a single location where valuable information about the specialty crop market and production trends can be found.

A Review of Watermelon Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2021

Tara Wade, Kelvin Amon, Kevin Athearn, and Craig Frey

Eight states produce most US watermelons. Most of the fruit (almost 80%) are grown in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, with Florida leading in domestic production. In 2019, Florida’s watermelon output accounted for 25.2% of total US production, 24.7% of national watermelon acreage, and 29.6% of the overall US crop value. The value of Florida's watermelon output accounted for 13.2% of the state's total vegetable production. This publication provides information on both seeded and seedless conventional watermelon acreage, volume, and pricing for California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas from 2010 through 2021. It is one of a series illustrating trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops, excluding citrus: tomatoes, bell peppers, watermelons, sweet corn, and strawberries. This information will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in specialty crop commodities trends.

Alternaria Leaf and Pod Spot of Snap Bean in Florida

Shouan Zhang, Aaron J. Palmateer, Ken Pernezny, and R. T. McMillan, Jr.

An Introduction to Carbon Credit Markets and Their Potential for Florida Agricultural Producers

Sawssan Boufous, Tara Wade, Shourish Chakravarty, Michael Andreu, Jehangir H. Bhadha, Young Gu Her, and Ziwen Yu

This publication is part of a larger body of work initiated by the UF/IFAS Extension Climate and Carbon Extension Educators that informs a general audience about climate issues and mitigation strategies. It was prepared to help Extension agents, farmers, and ranchers interested in carbon credit programs better understand the process of carbon credit trading, from credit generation to markets. Note that because carbon markets are relatively new, programs and prices are likely to change over time. This publication includes a list of resources for further information.

An Introduction to Florida Commodity Enterprise Budgets: A Tool to Improve Farm Business Planning

Kimberly L. Morgan, Tara Wade, Kevin Athearn, Chris Prevatt, Ariel Singerman, Edward “Gilly” Evans, Trent Blare, Hayk Khachatryan, and Zhengfei Guan

Enterprise budgets help farmers and ranchers estimate expenses, potential revenue, and profit. UF/IFAS provides enterprise budgets for a variety of Florida-grown commodities. These are typically built collaboratively by economists, horticulturists and agronomists, ranchers, and growers. This publication highlights key aspects of the enterprise budget as a planning tool for farm businesses. Includes links to UF/IFAS enterprise budgets and related documents specific to several Florida commodities.

Antibiotics in Crop Production

Ute Albrecht, Leigh Archer, and Pamela Roberts

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Precision Agriculture

Yiannis Ampatzidis

Bats of Florida

Holly K. Ober, Martin B. Main, and Ginger M. Allen

Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems

Kira Sorochkina, Clayton J. Nevins, Patrick W. Inglett, and Sarah L. Strauss

Biological soil crusts, or biocrusts, are communities of microorganisms that form on the surface of soils, often found in deserts around the world. However, they can also occur in agroecosystems and potentially contribute nutrients to plants growing nearby. This publication is for those interested in learning more about what biocrusts look like and how they can impact agricultural soils.  

Biology and Management of Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) in Citrus Groves

Nirmal Timilsina, Sharpton Toussaint, Camille McAvoy and Ramdas Kanissery

Horseweed has gained importance in recent years due to reports of the development of herbicide resistance to several modes of action, including glyphosate and paraquat. This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department presents information about the lifecycle, identification, and management of horseweed in citrus groves. This publication is mainly intended for Florida citrus growers but will also be helpful for Extension agents, crop consultants, and others interested in citrus production. Written by Nirmal Timilsina, Sharpton Toussaint, Camille McAvoy and Ramdas Kanissery.

Citrus Propagation

Ute Albrecht, Mongi Zekri, and Jeffrey Williamson

This publication explains the different methods of citrus propagation and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the grafting process and other principles of propagation. 

Constructing a Southwest Florida Bell Peppers Enterprise Budget

Tara Wade, Barbara Hyman, and Eugene McAvoy

Enterprise budgets can assist with forecasting as well as help managers coordinate resources, make production decisions, examine expenditures, and anticipate outcomes from changes in production practices. They can help producers determine what to produce, how many acres to produce, the cost of production, and the necessary price to be profitable. Describes the process used to create the 2018-19 enterprise budget for bell peppers in southwest Florida.

Constructing a Southwest Florida Tomato Enterprise Budget

Tara Wade, Barbara Hyman, Eugene McAvoy, and John VanSickle

Enterprise budgets are effective planning tools for growers in search of help with forecasting, resource coordination, and better production decisions. In essence, enterprise budgets can help producers determine what to produce, how many acres to produce, the cost of production, and the necessary price to be profitable. Describes the process used to create the 2017/18 enterprise budget for tomatoes in southwest Florida and includes resources for producers interested in creating enterprise budgets for their own operations.

Design and Construction of Screened Wells for Agricultural Irrigation Systems

Brian Boman, Sanjay Shukla, and J. D. Hardin

Determination of Carbonate Concentrations in Calcareous Soils with Common Vinegar Test

Qiang Zhu, Yuncong Li, Guodong Liu, and Monica Ozores-Hampton

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Development of Bahiagrass Fertilization Recommendations: 1990–2008

Rao Mylavarapu, E. A. Hanlon, C. L. Mackowiak, and M. L. Silveira

Florida's Geological History

Kyle W. Bostick, Shelly A. Johnson, and Martin B. Main

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Florida's Native Bromeliads

Barbra C. Larson, J. Howard Frank, Martin B. Main, and Ginger M. Allen

Groundwater Nitrogen: Behavior in Flatwoods and Gravel Soils Using Organic Amendments for Vegetable Production

Sanjay Shukla, Edward A. Hanlon, Fouad H. Jaber, Peter J. Stoffella, Thomas A. Obreza, and Monica Ozores-Hampton

Hurricane Preparedness For Citrus Groves

Mongi Zekri, Robert E. Rouse, and Jonathan H. Crane

Hydraulic Considerations for Citrus Microirrigation Systems

Brian Boman and Sanjay Shukla

Imperfect Competition Yields Profits Beyond the Farm Gate

Kimberly L. Morgan and Jessica Ryals

<p>The purpose of this publication is to look at the other side of the profit equation to explore opportunities for Florida’s small and medium-sized farmers to find ways to improve revenues. We can do this by identifying markets where farmers have some measure of control over how much to charge for their food products. Economists describe markets in which businesses may set their own prices as “imperfectly competitive.” The authors aim to answer these common questions: Why are markets considered imperfect? What does this mean to farmers and buyers? What are the added costs and benefits to farmers who decide to sell into imperfect markets?</p>

Insect Management for Legumes (Beans, Peas)

Jawwad A. Qureshi, Dakshina Seal, and Susan E. Webb

Many different insects attack leguminous vegetables. Aphids damage terminals, whiteflies feed on sap and transmit bean golden mosaic virus, and caterpillars, like bean leafroller, and beetles feed on leaves. Flower thrips feed in blossoms and stink bugs, corn earworm, and leaffooted bugs damage seeds and pods.

Late Blight on Potato and Tomato

Pamela Roberts and Ryan Donahoo

This document is PP301, one of a series of the Department of Plant Pathology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date December 2012. Revised May 2016.

Leptomastix dactylopii Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): parasitoid of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Salman Al-Shami and Jawwad A. Qureshi

This publication describes the biology, distribution, behavior, and impact of the parasitoid Leptomastix dactylopii Howard. This beneficial insect is known for providing significant reductions in mealybug populations in Florida and other locations. It is also intended to provide knowledge about this parasitoid to a wide range of interested audiences including growers, Extension agents, researchers, students, laypersons, and other stakeholders.

Nesting Island Creation for Wading Birds

C. Leann White, Peter C. Frederick, Martin B. Main, and James A. Rodgers, Jr.

This document is CIR1473, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2005. Revised September 2008.

Postflight Data Processing Instructions on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agricultural Applications

Sri Charan Kakarla and Yiannis Ampatzidis

Preflight and Flight Instructions on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agricultural Applications

Sri Charan Kakarla, Leon De Morais Nunes, and Yiannis Ampatzidis

Regulatory Requirements to Operate Spraying Drones

Wenhao Liu and Yiannis Ampatzidis

This article aims to present and discuss regulatory requirements for UAS for agricultural spraying applications to students, research scientists, Extension agents, growers and allied industry, consulting companies, and state agency personnel. It explores the FAA regulations and presents the application procedure to receive a license to operate spraying drones. Written by Wenhao Liu and Yiannis Ampatzidis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2025.

Snap Bean Soil Fertility Program in Miami-Dade County

Monica Ozores-Hampton, Qiang Zhu, Yuncong Li and Guodong Liu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

Stormwater as an Alternative Source of Water Supply: Feasibility and Implications for Watershed Management

Sanjay Shukla and Fouad H. Jaber

TAP Sampling for Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Field Sheet

Jawwad A. Qureshi and Phil Stansly

Monitoring ACP populations is an important tool in the integrated management of citrus greening. The most efficient way to estimate field populations of this insect is by monitoring adults. Tap sampling has proven to provide data needed to make informed decisions for managing this insect pest. Other pest and beneficial insects and mites may fall on the sheet and can also be counted. We recommend 10 tap samples in each of the 10 locations per block, 5 on the periphery and 5 in the interior. ACP tends to accumulate on the block periphery, which therefore may require more frequent sprays.

The Citrus Red Mite (Panonychus citri): A Pest of Citrus Crops

Emilie Demard and Jawwad A. Qureshi

Panonychus citri is a phytophagous mite of economic importance in open citrus orchards and a major pest in Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS), a new undercover production system tested in Florida. Immatures and adults feed on citrus leaves, fruits, and green twigs resulting in mesophyll collapse, shoot dieback, and fruit drop. In Florida, P. citri occurs throughout the year but is most abundant in spring or early summer and autumn or early winter. Although chemical sprays like Abamectin or Fenbutatin oxide provide some control of P. citri, resistance has been reported in different regions of the world. Several predatory insects and mites have been shown to attack the mite and could be potential natural enemies to use in biological control programs.

Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV): A Potential Threat for Tomato Production in Florida

Ozgur Batuman, Salih Yilmaz, Pamela Roberts, Eugene McAvoy, Samuel Hutton, Kishore Dey, and Scott Adkins

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management for Commercial audience(s). Published by Integrated Pest Management

Tropical Hardwood Hammocks in Florida

Annisa Karim and Martin B. Main

Trunk Injection to Deliver Crop Protection Materials: An Overview of Basic Principles and Practical Considerations

Ute Albrecht, Leigh Archer, and Jonathan Crane

This new 8-page article presents an overview on the use of trunk injection for the targeted delivery of protection materials to agricultural crops to manage pests and diseases. Different methods of injection are described along with the underlying plant physiological principles, possible implications on the tree, and other concerns and considerations. Written by Leigh Archer, Ute Albrecht, and Jonathan Crane, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.

Types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Sensing Technologies, and Software for Agricultural Applications

Sri Charan Kakarla and Yiannis Ampatzidis

This publication provides detailed information about the most used UAVs, sensing technologies, and software for agricultural applications. Written by Sri Charan Kakarla and Yiannis Ampatzidis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2021.

Water and Nitrogen BMPs for Tomato and Watermelon: Water Quality and Economics

Sanjay Shukla, Gregory S. Hendricks, Fritz M. Roka, and Thomas A. Obreza

Water Measurement for Agricultural Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Brian Boman and Sanjay Shukla

Wildlife in Urban Landscapes: Use of Golf Course Ponds by Wetlands Birds

C. LeAnn White and Martin B. Main